Germany tightens security after receiving attack threat

Germany tightened security at airports and public buildings after receiving
intelligence of an imminent threat of attack from Islamic terrorists.

Germany's Interior Minister Thomas de Maiziere announced Wednesday that security is being stepped up at airports and train stationsPhoto: GETTY

By Damien McElroy, Foreign Affairs Correspondent

8:07PM GMT 17 Nov 2010

Thomas De Maiziere, the interior minister, said that a foreign tip-off had indicated an al-Qaeda cell was planning an attack on Germany. He said the country was being actively targeted by extremist groups as a result of its involvement in Afghanistan.

Der Tagesspiegel, a German newspaper, said that American intelligence agencies had provided reports that up to four suicide bombers intent on carrying out an attack were about to arrive in the country. Berlin refused to confirm that American spies had provided the information that prompted the nationwide alert.

The newspaper said the attackers would arrive from India or the Gulf to target German shoppers at Christmas markets.

The intelligence emerged from investigations triggered by a Yemen-based plot to blow up airborne cargo shipments that were intercepted last month. "According to information from a foreign partner which came to us after the Yemen incident, we suspect a planned attack is due to be put into action at the end of November," Mr Maiziere said.

Mr Maiziere warned Germans there would be a visible police presence as they went about their Christmas shopping. "Citizens will be able to see such police measures. In addition to this, there are a lot of measures that they won't be able to see," he said. "There is reason for concern, but no reason for hysteria."

Supplementary intelligence from Germany's intelligence agencies has pointed to a sustained and increasing interest by al-Qaeda-linked groups in staging attacks against Germany.

The German government said that while the dangers had increased it was determined to ensure that daily life would not be altered by the demands of extremists.

Germany only recently moved into the spotlight as a prime target of al-Qaeda commanders. It has come close to disaster only once when terrorists planted bombs on trains at Cologne's main train station in July 2006. The devices failed to detonate.

Leading members of the September 11 attacks on the US were radicalised at a Hamburg mosque that was recently raided after extremist activity had resumed.